If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

11

11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

Read the statements below to determine what options (001 and 002) you are eligible to apply. You must enter at least one code.

001 - Merit Promotion:I am eligible to be considered under merit promotion procedures because I am a current or former Federal employee working in a permanent competitive service position; or I am a veteran with preference; or I am a veteran who has been honorably discharged and substantially completed at least 3 years of continuous active duty service. (You must submit documentation to support your eligibility.)

002 - Noncompetitive: I am eligible to be considered under this specialty code because I meet the requirements for a noncompetitive appointment. Examples of non-competitive appointing authorities may include but not limited to: 30% or more compensable disabled veterans, Persons with Disabilities (Schedule A), PHS Commissioned Officer, Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) [for positions up to the GS-11 Federal level], Peace Corps employees, current/former Federal employees who currently hold or previously held a Federal competitive position with promotion potential at or above the full performance level listed for this position, and a current Federal employee working in an excepted service position covered by an Interchange Agreement. (You must submit documentation to support your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment).

001 Merit Competitive002 Noncompetitive

21. Geographic Availability

240370033 College Park, MD

22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. From the descriptions below, please choose the BEST answer that demonstrates that you meet the basic education requirements for the GS-403-11 Research Microbiologist position.

A. I have a four year degree in microbiology; or biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included at least 20 semester hours in microbiology and other subjects related to the study of microorganisms, and 20 semester hours in the physical and mathematical sciences combining course work in organic chemistry or biochemistry, physics, and college algebra, or their equivalent.B. I have a combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or basic medical science that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.C. My education and/or experience is not reflected in choice A or B above.

2. From the descriptions below, please choose the BEST answer that demonstrates that you meet the specialized experience requirements for the GS-403-11 Research Microbiologist position.

A. I have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service that included assisting senior level microbiologist in scientific studies by providing analysis or recommending approaches to identification and characterization of foodborne bacterial pathogens in foods and environmental surfaces; and reporting scientific findings to the principle investigator and/or senior management;B. I have a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree;C. I have a combination of education and experience as noted in A and B above.D. My experience and/or education is not reflected in choice A or B above.

For each task in the following groups, choose the statement from the list A through E following each task that best describes your experience and/or training. Your resume must support your answers or your overall score may be lowered or you may be considered ineligible.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in this task.B- I have had education or training in performing this task, but have not performed it on the job.C- I have performed this task on the job. My work was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.E- I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

3. Assist in the planning and execution of a research program to investigate and improve the detection, identification, and differentiation of Gram-negative pathogens (Salmonella, Brucella, and/or E. coli O157:H7) in foods by the standard cultural methodologies and using molecular genetic methods.

4. Perform rapid microbiological and molecular procedures on pure cultures and food commodities for the presence and identification of various foodborne pathogens.

5. Serve as an information resource on the detection, identification, and differentiation of Gram-negative pathogens in foods and on environmental surfaces.